WILLIAMS LAKE – The BC Wildfire Service, with the support of the Williams Lake Fire Department, will conduct a prescribed burn near White Road in an effort to reduce wildfire risks in the area.
When and where
- Burning is expected to begin as early as Thursday April 9, and may continue periodically until April 24
- The prescribed burn will take place south of Williams Lake on approximately 20 hectares of land adjacent to White Road
What to expect
- Smoke and flames will be visible from Williams Lake, Williams Lake First Nation, Coyote Rock Golf Course and to motorists on Highway 97
- Crews will ignite ground fuels to remove combustible materials to mimic a low-intensity wildland fire
- Ignitions will only proceed with favourable weather and atmospheric venting allowing smoke to clear quickly
- While ignition is underway, traffic control will be onsite to ensure the safety of public and firefighters. Short delays may occur
- Personnel will remain onsite into the evening, staying onsite until there is no risk of the fire spreading beyond the perimeter and returning daily until the fire is out
Smoke from within the perimeter of the burn may be visible up to 72 hours after ignition.
These YouTube videos explain the benefits of prescribed burning and showcase the process and some of the work that goes into planning Prescribed Burns. The BCWS YouTube channel is an excellent resource to watch videos on wildfire and prevention in the province.
Objectives of this prescribed burn:
- Reduce wildfire risk to the Williams Lake First Nation and the City of Williams Lake
- Use fire to restore forest health to encourage a properly functioning ecosystem
- Strengthen collaboration between the Williams Lake Fire Department, the Cariboo Chilcotin Natural Resource District and the Cariboo Fire Centre to grow capacity and knowledge of prescribed burning outside of emergency response situations
Minimizing health impacts from smoke
Exposure to smoke from wildfires or prescribed burning can irritate eyes and respiratory tracts and worsen pre-existing lung and heart conditions. If your area is impacted by smoke:
- Manage pre-existing conditions and seek medical care if you have severe symptoms
- Reduce the length and intensity of outdoor activities
- Run portable air cleaners with windows and doors closed. Both commercial and home-made units (https://rb.gy/90uh5s) can be effective if operated properly
Learn about protecting your health from smoke online: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/wildfire-smoke
Learn more
Fire is a natural process in many of B.C.’s ecosystems. The BC Wildfire Service works regularly with land managers to undertake fuel management activities, including the use of prescribed burns, to help reduce the severity of future wildfires and related threats to communities.
Learn more about prescribed burning online at prescribedfire.ca or find more resources here.
Reporting
- To report an unattended campfire or open burning violation calling call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277
- To report illegal fires in a local fire department’s jurisdiction, call 9-1-1
- Dial *5555 on a cell phone or call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free to report a wildfire
- Use the Report function in the BC Wildfire App to report a wildfire. Reporting though the app lets you upload images and can be used without service
Stay in the know
For the latest information on current wildfire activity, prohibitions and restrictions, road closures, and air-quality advisories please visit BCWildfire.ca, the BC Wildfire Map, or use the BC Wildfire app.
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Contact
Fire Information Officer
Cariboo Fire Centre | BC Wildfire Service
778 799-2100
CaFCInfo@gov.bc.ca Connect with the Province of B.C. at www.gov.bc.ca/connect